Loved London and SOAS, though not the Study Abroad program Past Review

By (HISTORY., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 04/30/2012 with

SOAS, University of London: London - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
You really learn how to fend for yourself. Wellesley is so wonderfully helpful and kind to its students, while SOAS really is not. I had a great time meeting new friends, learning London and traveling Europe. In general, it was a terrific experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The rigor of the institution varies widely. While language and humanities courses have a reputation for exceptionally easy classes, development and economics courses are quite challenging. Instructors are fantastic, well versed in their respective subjects and willing to assist in any way possible. Lastly, the library is amazing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I found myself consistently frustrated with the lack of organization on the part of the institution. From being refused an ID on my first day (because a student wrongly entered my birthdate) to an extensive debacle pertaining to my transcript, SOAS seems to lack the basic infrastructure of a university. Additionally, the study abroad coordinator accused me of not submitting a final essay several months after the conclusion of the term and consistently sent emails undermining my claims that I submit my essay before (two weeks later) writing a brief apology and saying my essay had been lost amongst other papers in the department office. All in all, not a pleasant experience with the administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dinwiddy House is fine, but it is very overpriced for what it is. The rooms are not great, nor are the kitchen facilities. The surrounding region is not safe (especially at night) and is a 25 minute walk from the main campus. The saving grace of the building is 24 hour security.

* Food:

There is no food provided by the program or housing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any interaction with the healthcare system.

* Safety:

London has a relatively high crime rate throughout. We were constantly told stories of robberies and other crimes of opportunity, but those are largely avoidable it seems. Dinwiddy House isn't in the nicest of neighborhoods, but the main campus sits in a beautiful bit of London.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook instead of going out!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friends I made and the student body as a whole
  • The city itself
  • The instructors
* What could be improved?
  • The administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing really! I'm sure my negative experience with the administrators is probably a unique one.